Residents flee as gunmen again storm Ogun communities

Residents of 27 villages in Imushin, Ogun State yesterday fled their homes after gunmen raided the areas.

The attack was the second in two days from the suspected militants, who have killed no fewer than 13 people and left several others injured.

This is just as the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the death of two suspected kidnappers last Friday at Elepete, who were shot during a raid by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Sqaud (SARS).

The command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP), who confirmed their deaths, said one other suspect sustained gunshot injuries but was responding to treatment.

The Nation gathered that although no one was killed yesterday, the gunmen raided shops and carted away villagers’ wares and money.

It was also learnt that three of those injured in Saturday’s attack died later same day in the hospital and have been buried.

Decrying the spate of attacks on the communities, the monarch, Oba Taiwo Adebunmi Gbamboshe, said his people have fled from their homes for fear of the unknown.

He appealed to the government to deploy more security to the riverine communities, adding that those injured and hospitalised should be catered for.

“There are 27 villages in the communities and the residents have fled because of the attacks. There were sporadic gunshots early yesterday morning. My people’s lives are in danger. They have fled and have refused to come back because of fear.

“Despite the presence of police and soldiers, the people are still afraid to return. I am appealing to the government to send more security and to cater for all those who sustained injuries and are hospitalised.

“Also, the owner of the hotel , where some security men raided, was taken away and till now, she has not been found. All the police divisions say they do not have her and never took her. We do not know her whereabouts now,” he said.

Badmos said: “Information was received on Friday at about 1:30pm that some kidnappers had assembled at Elepete, a sprawling community near Ogijo with intent to carry out kidnappings. Based on this, operatives of SARS moved in. “At a point near the creek, one Victor Worimegbe was arrested. He led operatives to TOPKATT Hotel, where others lodged. On getting there, the trio of Ekpokim, Abule and Ebimobese, on sighting the operatives, tried to escape by firing some shots and the operatives responded.

“In process, Ekpokim and Abule sustained gun injuries and they were rushed to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

“Their corpses have been deposited at the general hospital. Ebimobese is undergoing treatment due to injury sustain and he has made useful confessional statements.”